New York Scout Troop takes to the fight for equality again. Since 2013, gay males have been allowed to be boy scouts, but the Boy Scouts of America have banned any gay adult leaders.
When the national Boy Scouts began allowing gay boys as Scouts, liberal Scout leaders and gay rights groups celebrated the shift but called for allowing gay adults to participate, too. Conservatives involved with the Scouts, including some churches that sponsor troops, decried letting any gays — including kids — participate. Some defected when the ban on gay youth was lifted.
The Boy Scouts of America has said it doesn’t “proactively inquire” about members’ sexual orientation — in effect, a form of “don’t ask, don’t tell.” But it has expelled adults who were open about it, including a gay troop leader in Seattle who was removed last year after he disclosed his orientation during a TV interview. – NYPOST.COM
Tessier achieved Scouting’s highest rank last year after being one of the most prominent openly gay Scouts speaking out to change the ban on gay participation. He new position will be as a camp counselor this summer at the Ten Mile River Scout Camp in upstate New York.
His New York branch of the Boy Scouts of America hare very supportive of Pascal. Lucien Tessier, his brother, is also a gay Eagle Scout and has been overly supportive of Pascal's new position.
And nobody is prouder than his mom.
“I am [proud],” said Tracie Felker, who lives in Hagerstown, Md., when asked about her boundary-breaking boy.
“It’s not a brave thing he is doing,” she added. “It’s something necessary, something that needs to be done.” – NYDAILYNEWS.COM
Pascal achieved Scouting’s highest rank last year after being one of the most prominent openly gay Scouts speaking out to change the ban on gay participation.
So why would this branch of they Boy Scouts want to take a risk in hiring Pascal? Because he was qualified.
Richard Mason, who serves on the board of the New York chapter, said they passed on Tessier's application to the national board for vetting and so far “they have not rejected this young man.”
Mason said as far as he is concerned, Tessier is more than qualified to be a camp counselor.
“We received his application and judged it on its merits,” he said. – NYDAILYNEWS.COM
Congrats to Pascal, Lucien, their family, and thanks to the New York Chapter for fighting for equality. The New York Chapter has fought for gay rights in the BSA and has even marched in Pride Parades in the past.
As an Eagle Scout myself, I would like to thank you all for leading by example.
Pascal is not new to the fight. Watch the video below to see what he has already accomplished.